A star has been born. Adam Idah is a massive prospect and Ireland fans were thrilled to see him get an opportunity to start for Norwich in the FA Cup this afternoon was very exciting.
We expected to see a good performance from the Cork native, but even he couldn't have dreamed for a start such as this one.
Idah would open the scoring after only 90 seconds against Preston. It was a typical goal for the striker, displaying his incredible mix of pace, power and finishing ability. Take a look at this:
He makes it look so easy. Seeing a player of his size move in such a manner is mesmerising to watch, the way he left the defence for dead here is remarkable.
He would add a second before halftime, and it was from quite a distance. While this is a howler from the goalkeeper to leave himself in no man's land, it was some impressive quick thinking from Idah to steer it home under pressure.
He would complete his hat-trick in the second, ensuring this day would live long in the memory of the Cork native. It came from the penalty spot after he was fouled in the box, and he couldn't have been any cooler as he dispatched the spot kick.
What a feckin' performance!
Only 18-years old, Idah is set to have a massive career ahead of him.
He has been massively impressive during the Republic of Ireland u21s' Euro qualifying campaign, putting in some quality performances for Stephen Kenny's side. Whereas much of the starting XI around him has changed on a game-by-game-basis, the Norwich man has been a near constant in the team.
He is capable of putting in the hard yards up front, but he is far more than a workhorse. Idah is incredibly skilled, equally adept at holding the ball up and linking the play, or beating a man off the dribble. That is before we even mention his power and speed.
In an age where the roles of modern number nines has changed greatly, Idah provides everything you want from that position. As today has already shown, he should also have no issue imposing himself at senior level.
It's time to get excited.
